National Assembly (Suriname) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National AssemblyDe Nationale Assemblée |
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|---|---|
| 8th Surinamese National Assembly | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| Leadership | |
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Chairman
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Ashwin Adhin, NDP
Since 28 June 2025 |
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Vice-Chairman
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Dew Sharman, VHP
Since 29 June 2020 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 51 |
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Political groups
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Government (34)
Opposition (17)
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| Elections | |
| Open list proportional representation | |
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Last election
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25 May 2025 |
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Next election
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25 May 2030 |
| Meeting place | |
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| Buiten-Sociëteit Het Park | |
The National Assembly (called "De Nationale Assemblée" in Dutch, or "DNA" for short) is like the parliament of Suriname. It is the part of the government that makes laws. It has only one main group of lawmakers, which is called a unicameral legislature.
The National Assembly building is located in Paramaribo, the capital city. It is on Independence Square. The original building was destroyed by a fire in 1996. A new building, which looks like the old one, was finished in 2022.
There are 51 members in the National Assembly. They are chosen every five years. People vote for them based on the different districts of the country. The most recent elections happened on May 25, 2025. The current Chairman of the Assembly is Marinus Bee, who started his role on July 14, 2020. Dew Sharman became the Vice Chairman on June 29, 2020.
Contents
History of Suriname's Parliament
The first group of lawmakers in Suriname was called the Colonial States. They first met in 1866. Later, in 1936, their name changed to the Estates of Suriname.
When Suriname became an independent country on November 25, 1975, the group was renamed the Parliament of the Republic of Suriname. However, in 1980, there was a coup d'état (a sudden takeover of the government). Because of this, the Parliament stopped working.
In 1985, a new appointed Assembly took its place. The National Assembly, as we know it today, started in 1987. This was when democracy returned to Suriname. A new constitution was created, which set up the Assembly. New elections were then held on November 25, 1987. Since then, elections have been held regularly.
Sometimes, for very important decisions, like choosing the President, two-thirds of the votes are needed. If they cannot get enough votes, a special meeting is called. This meeting is called De Verenigde Volksvergadering (the United People's Assembly). In these meetings, representatives from all the Districts and Resorts join in. They then vote on the issue, and the decision is made by a simple majority.
Leaders of the National Assembly Since 1975
From December 1973, Emile Wijntuin was the Chairman of the Estates of Suriname. He continued as Chairman of Parliament after Suriname became independent. He served until August 1980, when the Parliament was dissolved.
After the elections in 1987, Jagernath Lachmon became Chairman. He had already been Chairman twice before. Lachmon stepped down in 1996 because he disagreed with the government at that time.
On October 10, 1996, Marijke Djwalapersad was chosen as Chair. She was the first woman in Suriname's history to hold this important position. On July 24, 2000, Jagernath Lachmon became Chairman again. He stayed in office until he passed away in 2001. His party member, Ramdien Sardjoe, then took his place.
After the 2005 elections, Paul Somohardjo became Chairman of the National Assembly. Caprino Alendy was chosen as the Vice-Chairman on June 30, 2005.
On June 30, 2010, Jennifer Simons won the election for Chairman. She became the new leader of the Assembly. Ruth Wijdenbosch was elected as Vice Chair. This was the first time that both the Chairman and Vice Chairman were women. It was also the first time that these two top positions were held by politicians from different political groups.
On June 29, 2020, Ronnie Brunswijk was elected as the Chairperson of the National Assembly. Dew Sharman was elected as Vice Chairperson. After Brunswijk became the Vice President of Suriname on July 13, 2020, Marinus Bee took over as the new Chairman on July 14, 2020.
How Members Are Chosen
The members of the National Assembly are chosen through elections. The most recent elections were held on May 25, 2025. In these elections, the 51 seats in the parliament were given to different political parties.
2025 Surinamese general election
More to Explore
- Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname
- Politics of Suriname
See also
In Spanish: Asamblea Nacional de Surinam para niños
